Yes! The Hero crew will be busy bees this year bringing you special guests, parties, and much more from San Diego to Calgary to New York City! We may be attending a convention near you, so make sure you stop by and help us help others who have paved the way for many others and have brought us years of joy! JUST DO IT!

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $500,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

On November 23-24th, 2013, the Long Beach Convention Center was home to the 5th annual Long Beach Comic and Horror Con! Usually held around Halloween, this show was pushed back to late November, making this one of the final comic cons of 2013! In addition to the date change, they also got rid of the Friday evening show and I believe it was the right call. Saturday was booming, with lines going out the door and a steady flow of patrons all day long! Sunday slowed down quite a bit and while still a lot of foot traffic, not enough spending.

With the usual talent of comic creators attending Long Beach, including mainstays of LBCC Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Whilce Portacio, Tim Bradstreet, and Todd Nauck, joined by special guests Gene Ha, Carlos D’Anda, Marc Silvestri, Mark Texeira, Art Thibert, Andrew Robinson, Mark Waid, and several other awesome comic talent, LBCC did close out the 2013 con year nicely.

While Comic Cons seem to be growing every year, it seems harder and harder for each show to bring something new. I did love the fact that there was an awesome car display in the front of some of the most famous cars in pop culture, along with a lot of retailers in prominent display at the show. One thing also appreciated was that comics were far more emphasized than pop culture stars, and that’s one thing I always do appreciate at LBCC. Hopefully next year, they’ll bring over the bigger hitters in comics to really close the year with a bang. Star power does draw more crowds, and I for one would love to see LBCC thrive and succeed for the next 5 years and beyond. And now, onto some photos!

A line forms inside the convention hall on Saturday morning.

Artist Alley is bustling in the morning.

An awesome array of pop culture cars. But it’s not complete without…

The Batmobile. Chicks dig the Batmobile.

Gene Ha and his awesome banner graces LBCC.

Amanda Conner signs her Harley Quinn for eager fans.

Mark Waid signing for eager fans.

Mark Texeira signing comics for fans.

Todd Nauck’s list is currently closed.

Richard Friend showing off his portfolio to customers.

Alex Sinclair working on a commission at LBCC!

Tim Bradstreet sketching for fans.

Andrew Robinson selling the graphic novel of 2013, The Fifth Beatle!

Carlos D’Anda wants you to buy his art!

And now, onto some cosplayers!

A new meaning to the term robot chicken.

Iron Man and Tony Stark gracing the hall floor.

Why so serious?

Black Cat crosses your path!

I asked why they were at LBCC, but they said I needed level 7 clearance.

Power Girl flexing her muscles!

This kid is making me go crazy!

I am worthy of Mjolnir!

Kid cosplayers are so darned cute!

Pull my finger.

Best costume of the show!

Lance Henriksen is greeted by a friendly alien. Don’t miss more incredible moments at LBCC 2014!

Nov. 21st, 2013 – Los Angeles, CA – Award-winning publisher BOOM! Studios announced today it will exhibit at the 5th Annual Long Beach Comic & Horror Con, to be held during the weekend of Nov. 23-24 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif.

BOOM! can be found at booth #201 and will host creators Caleb Monroe (STEED AND MRS. PEEL, ICE AGE) and Eric M. Esquivel (FREELANCERS, the upcoming LOKI: RAGNAROK AND ROLL), plus sketch artists Hannah Nance Partlow and Travis Hill. In addition, a special LBCHC variant cover for newly launched series PROTOCOL: ORPHANS (created by Peter Facinelli and Rob DeFranco, written by Michael Alan Nelson, and illustrated by Mariano Navarro) will be available for purchase.

BOOM! will also put on the following panel on Saturday:

BOOM! Studios Presents: We Are BOOM!, Sat., Nov. 23, 1 p.m., Room 102C
You will not want to miss this jam-packed, inspiring hour as BOOM! Studios VP of Marketing and Publishing Filip Sablik reintroduces BOOM! to the world of comics. This won’t be your average publisher panel droning on and on through a series of press releases and stale cover images. Find out what makes BOOM! Studios different than every other comic publisher in the market and why 2013 has been a transformative year for us. We are BOOM! Come Innovate With Us.

At the booth, BOOM! will have a selection of titles for sale, including books from its imprints, KaBOOM! and Archaia.

ABOUT BOOM! STUDIOS

Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent. BOOM! Studios is the home of Mike Carey’s SUICIDE RISK, Clive Barker’s NEXT TESTAMENT and HELLRAISER, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos’ FAIRY QUEST, PLANET OF THE APES, Max Bemis’ POLARITY and Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE. Steven Grant’s graphic novel 2 GUNS was recently released as a feature film from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!’s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network’s ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW, Mike Kunkel’s HEROBEAR AND THE KID, and Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-winning SNARKED. In June 2013, BOOM! acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com. Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of MOUSE GUARD, COW BOY, GUNNERKRIGG COURT, RUST, SPERA, JIM HENSON’S TALE OF SAND, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN, and many other great titles. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox’s vast catalog of films.

That’s right! Hero will have a foosball table at its booth, #406, all weekend. The table comes courtesy of Foosball Master Tour, and you can test your skills in special challenge matches against well-known artists Jon Bogdanove, Jimmy Palmiotti, Darick Robertson, and Alex Sinclair to raise money for Hero Initiative. Get practicing now!

The convention continues its dual traditions of Helping Hero and producing AMAZING limited edition prints with its They Live, Halloween, The Birds and The Hunger prints! Each print is limited to only 100 copies each, and available at $30 each at the Long Beach Con store in the main lobby. In addition, 30 copies each of They Live and Halloween will be available autographed by legendary director John Carpenter for $50 each at the Storm King Productions booth, #913 on the floor. All proceeds from They Live and Halloween benefit Hero, along with partial proceeds from The Birds and The Hunger!

And Hero is having a special $1 sale all weekend! You can pick up great product such as the Salimba graphic novel, Vision Machine graphic novel, and even Hero T-shirts at a mere $1 each! There’s a limit of one per item per customer, and supplies are limited, so get to booth #406 FAST!

Comments Off on Premiere Props to Auction off Hollywood Memorabilia at Long Beach Comic and Horror Con 2013

Press Release:

The Godfather Horse Head!

Premiere Props and their Hollywood Extravaganza XII will be an amazing part of the 5th Anniversary Long Beach Comic & Horror Con! Premier Props will auction over 1,000 movie props and costumes at their Hollywood Auction Extravaganza XII on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 at the Con.

“We are so excited this year to be doing a Live Auction that will go worldwide. We think the fans will be excited to see the amount of items from various films and TV shows that will be up for auction! As well as the cool Vintage Hollywood Posters that will go up for auction on Sunday,” says Phil Lawrence, Co-Founder and Sales Director.

The event will feature items from THE GODFATHER, TRANSFORMERS, E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, CITIZEN KANE, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, FANTASIA, PLANET OF THE APES, STAR WARS and more! There will be a preview from 9-11am PT with the live auction beginning at 11am PT.

Items include:

THE GODFATHER – Horse Head – You can’t refuse this one! This is the rehearsal prop that Don Corleone (Marlon Brando) uses to force studio head Jack Woltz (John Marley) to put his friend, singer Johnny Fontane (Al Martino) in his next major movie. **please note that for the actual scene in the film, they used a real horse’s head.

Transformers Bumblebee Head!

TRANSFORMERS – Bumblebee Head – one of the (massive) full size Bumblebee Heads used in the film

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL – Miniature Bike Wheels – from the most iconic image in sci-fi history, the flying of the boys on his BMX Dirt Bike across the moon over the forest at the end of the film.

Citizen Kane Shipping Crate!

CITIZEN KANE – Shipping Crate – widely considered one of the greatest films of all-time, a rare crate prop that was used in the Kane’s warehouse scene with “CHARLES FOSTER KANE – XANADU FLORIDA” stenciled on it.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Jack’s Sled – this is the sled that was used when Santa Jack is shot down out of the sky by artillery shells. It includes the “horror gifts” storage trashcan caboose that was lashed to the back of the sled.

Mayor’s Megaphone – used throughout the film by “The Mayor” of Halloween town.

PLANET OF THE APES – Female Monkey Tunic – from the original classic (1968) a tunic worn by one of the rare female monkeys.STAR WARS – Lightsabre Effect Filters – from the personal collection of special effects wizard Kim Knowlton, these are the actual green Kodak Wratten filters Knowlton used to create the three-layered famous effects to create the lightsabre.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA – Viper Helmet – from the original 1978 hit television series, a hero screen used helmet with the infamous light border around the faceplate, which still lights up.

KIM NOVAK – 1989 Academy Awards Gown – Novak and Jimmy Stewart were reunited as presenters (they co-starred in VERTIGO and BELL BOOK AND CANDLE in 1958) and Novak stunned in a gold and black gown.

“With the holidays almost upon us, this auction offers movie and television fans a chance to treat themselves to an early holiday present,” said Dan Levin, Vice President of Premiere Props. “Memorabilia makes a terrific gift, as it is something that will be treasured for years to come.”

Celebrating the 5th anniversary with a weekend full of special guests and exhibitors, and engaging panels, Long Beach Comic & Horror Con will be open on Saturday, November 23 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday, November 24 at the Long Beach Convention Center. Advanced ticket holders gain early admission, starting at 9:30 am each day. Tickets are available now at your local SoCal comic book shop or online.

Long Beach Comic & Horror Con is an annual event held at the Long Beach Convention Center each fall. It’s a celebration of comic books and pop culture that showcases the exceptional works of talented writers, artists, illustrators and creators of all types of pop culture. At Long Beach Comic & Horror Con you’ll find exhibitors promoting and selling all types of related products, as well as entertaining and educational programs, guest signings, and meet & greet sessions with celebrities. For more specific information about the show, please use the LBCHC FAQ button on this website. Long Beach Comic & Horror Con is a production of MAD Event Management, LLC.

Content from Long Beach Comic Con 2012Sets let you organize your photos on Flickr. Explore the 48 photos in this set.

Content from Long Beach Comic & Horror Con 2012Sets let you organize your photos on Flickr. Explore the 71 photos in this set.

CROSSING THE FINISH LINE… 2012 convention marathon finishes in Long Beach | ComicConMenLBCC is a local convention that JayCompanyComics.com exhibits with 4 booths, 2 endcap locations. Unlike true blockbuster events like San Diego Comic Con or even Wondercon, the necessity for going with large display isn’t necessarily to capitalize on hoards of fans walking through the doors.

the scariest Freddy i saw all weekend! @LongBeach_CCjahilianaire

Long Beach Comic Con 2012nerdreactor

The Most Amazing and Inspirational Cosplay from Long Beach Comic Con 2012!The greatest cosplay isn’t just a loving recreation of your favorite character (or item) from science fiction, fantasy, comics and games …

Long Beach Comic Con continues on today2012’s Long Beach Comic & Horror Convention kicked off yesterday at the Long Beach Convention Center with the usual plethora of celeb…

Long Beach Comic Con Cosplay Photos Part Two; NtF Con Next SaturdayNamtar here… The second and last day of the Long Beach Comic & Horror Convention saw a whole new group of attendees wearing costumes th…

Comments Off on Hero Initiative Attending Long Beach Comic and Horror Con 2012

Press Release:

HERO INITIATIVE Attends Long Beach Comic and Horror con!

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 1, 2012) –Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that aids comic creators in need, will be attending Long Beach Comic and HorrorCon this weekend, November 3rd and 4th at the Long Beach Convention Center, 300 East Ocean Boulevard.

Calling all Fantastic Four lovers! Hero will be showing off selected Fantastic Four #600 original covers at Long Beach Comic Con at booth number #213. Check them out up close and personal, and look for the auctions starting on eBay.com on Nov. 6, under seller: HeroInitiative. Don’t miss it!

In honor of the 30th anniversary of John Carpenter’s The Thing, Storm King Productions has commissioned a limited edition print for the movie featuring NEW art by local artist Dan Panosian! This limited edition print is available for $20, autographed by Dan Panosian! Only 50 copies of the print are also available autographed by JOHN CARPENTER as well at $30! Go to the Storm King booth, #913, before they run out! ALL proceeds benefit Hero Initiative!

We are having $1 sale all weekend! Yes you heard that right—ALL WEEKEND! The Ultimate Spider-Man 100 Project softcover, The New Avengers 100 Project softcover, Archie: 50 Times an American Icon softcover, Salimba, and Vision Machine are all just $1 each, limit one per item per customer while supplies last at the Hero booth!

About The Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $500,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

Comments Off on Valiant Joins the 2012 Long Beach Comic and Horror Con

Press Release:

VALIANT Joins The 2012 LONG BEACH COMIC & HORROR CON!

Valiant Entertainment will be making its debut appearance at the Long Beach Comic & Horror Con (LBCHC) this coming weekend on Saturday, November 3rd and Sunday, November 4th!

Hosted at the Long Beach Convention Center, Valiant will be setting up at booth #313 for a weekend packed full of guests, signings, and exclusive convention offerings! Stop by to pick up first printings of every current Valiant release, blank cover con exclusive flipbooks, and the “Summer of Valiant” Collected Edition — collecting each new Valiant #1 issue together in a single volume.

Plus, join us on Sunday at 11:00 am in room #103AB for the “Future of Valiant” panel, featuring New York Times best-selling author Joshua Dysart (Harbinger), Valiant Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani, and Valiant Sales Manager Atom! Freeman. This is the only place to get in on a round of in-depth discussion about what 2013 holds for Valiant, including details on the origin of Toyo Harada in February’s much anticipated Harbinger #0, and fan Q&A about the hottest universe in comics! And no fan will want to miss Valiant’s special giveaways and door prizes — available only at this panel!